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COPD and Other Stuff This is a patient-to-patient blog to exchange information and resources…from COPD to Arthritis to Cellulites to Sarcoidosis to Sleep Apnea to RLS to Psoriasis to Support Groups to Caregivers and all points in between.

Tag Archives: granulomas

I wrote the following about 2004 for the American Lung
Association and re-found it goggling for COPD. I’m posting it
here in hope you will see the value in early detection Spirometry
testing.

“Hungry for Air: Breathing Better Together

“Living with COPD/Emphysema and Sarcoidosis was a living death.
I existed. I struggled to breathe, when I moved I panted, gasped
for air like a fish out of water.

As I slowly showered and dressed, ready to go somewhere, I
couldn’t sit down to rest. I fell asleep.

I went from a physically active life landscaping, restoring a
wonderful property in Port Townsend to a blob who existed in front
of her computer.

I searched the world web to discover what COPD/Emphysema was –
what Sarcoidosis was, everything, anything I could find out about
my diseases and the medications I took.

I couldn’t sleep in a bed – I couldn’t breathe – I dozed sitting
in a chair.

By the time I arrived at the Pulmonary Department at the
University of Washington Medical Center, I believed my days were
numbered. Previously diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema, an open lung
biopsy showed the fibrosis and granulomas of Sarcoidosis evenly
throughout both lungs.

Without energy, I felt isolated, without a purpose, a shell, a
mockery of the person I used to be.

I regretted a 40-year smoking habit, but didn’t dwell on it. The
single most difficult thing I’ve ever done is stop smoking. I
craved cigarettes and for the first time understood a drug addict’s
‘craving’ for a drug. I craved a cigarette many times a day, then
almost daily for more than two years. Even today, occasionally the
urge to smoke a cigarette becomes almost overwhelming.

That is how I felt then. Today I’m energized with purpose.

I found a support group online – the non-profit EFFORTS, begun
by COPD’rs, run by COPD’rs and filled with folks like me working to
change the world’s awareness of COPD. I want other lung folks to
know they are not alone and how they can lead the best quality of
life possible.

I want to see Spirometry tests for patients. common place among
physicians – to catch COPD early – before it is too late. Other
than stop smoking, the single most important thing Lungers can do
for themselves is exercise.

And from the time I learned of the American Lung Association® of
Washington’s Big Ride Across America, it is my dream – my goal.” –
Sharon”

The University of Washington is a God send to us. I wrote the
following in answer to a letter to the editor and decided to add it
here as well.

“The University of Washington ‘elitist’? If ‘elitist’ means
dedicated fine professors teaching a subject they they live their
work. They teach what they are passionate about to kids eager to
learn.

It was the University of Washington’s Medical Center Specialties
and Dr. Raghu specifically with then, Super Fellow, Christopher
Goss, who gave me an open lung biopsy and found the granulomas and
fibrosis in my lungs to prove Sarcoidosis added to emphysema
(COPD)

When I had a sudden loss of ability to breathe, the local
pulmonologist just handed me a steroid inhaler to add to the others
he had prescribed and I was on my way out the door.

Mom’s worry. My mother worried that her daughter all of a sudden
lost even more ability to breath and nothing was being done. She
strongly pushed for me to get evaluated through the U or the Mayo
Clinic. We needed to know.

I went to the U. The following letter is a direct quote from a
Thank you card I have written out but forgot to leave there last
week after my appointment.

Dr. Raghu –
Dr. Goss –

“Thanks for all you do for us now and in future to make the next
generation of lung patients fewer, I hope, living quality
lives.
When I first came here I never expected to live out the year much
less be here years later and looking at tomorrow.”

The doctors at the U are open minded, they look and think about
the entire body, not just lungs. Had I not gone there, I would not
be sitting here now.
Their doctors are open minded and actually THINK. They treat their
patients like partners in their own care and work together.

The old type doc and his “I Tarzan, You Jane’ mentality is over.
Patients have a right to be involved and understand what is going
on and what they can do to help themselves.

The University of Washington offers stellar, quality, educated
medical people and professors. Who wouldn’t want the best training
available?

That said, my own primary care doctor, Dr. Eady, is right here
in town. If she ever moved I’d have to move too…same with my
pulmonologist at the U. They, and others, are examples of medical
care and caring not easily found these days.

I haven’t even touched on the superb Nursing Program at the U…in
fact they lead THE COUNTRY…ask US News and World Reports…they are
#1.

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About This Blog

This is a patient to patient blog to exchange information and resources...from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) to Arthritis to Cellulites to Sarcoidosis to Sleep Apnea to RLS to Psoriasis to Support Groups to Caregivers and all points in between. Written by Sharon O'Hara.